Meat Free Week 2018

September 24, 2018 - September 30, 2018

Meat Free Week returns for the sixth consecutive year, taking place on 24-30 September 2018.

The campaign is challenging people to skip meat for seven days and embrace plant-based eating to raise funds for charities such as World Animal Protection and Sustainable Table. It also aims to raise awareness of the impact a high consumption of meat can have on human health, animal welfare and our environment.

An initiative of Bowel Cancer Australia, the non-profit organisation provides evidence that a high consumption of red meat and processed meat (including bacon, ham, and other packaged meat such as turkey) increases bowel cancer risk by 12% per 100g of red meat consumed per day and by 16% per 50g of processed meat consumed per day. In Australia, bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer, affecting 1 in 13 people.

High meat consumption is also linked to an increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease.

Bowel Cancer Australia’s National Community Engagement Manager Claire Annear said Meat Free Week was created to give people an opportunity to reconsider their meat intake. “Although Australia ranks among the top in the world when it comes to meat consumption, research shows 95% of us don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables.

“By taking part in Meat Free Week we hope people will consider how much meat they’re eating during the other 51 weeks in the year and be in a better position to make more informed choices.”

According to Bowel Cancer Australia, eating fruit and vegetables not only reduces the risk of bowel cancer and heart attacks, but it also increases happiness levels with each extra portion consumed and a plant-based diet protects against weight gain, overweight and obesity.

Participating in the Meat Free Week challenge is a great opportunity to improve personal health and mitigate environmental footprint. If you’ve ever wanted to reduce your meat intake, but not ready to go vegetarian or vegan, this is a good challenge to try!

For more information, meat-free recipe ideas or to sign up for this fundraising challenge, visit meatfreeweek.org.